Some monotreme milk "whey" and blood proteins

1. Electrophoretic studies are made of mature phase milk "whey" proteins and blood serum proteins of echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). The echidna milk bands are designated A-M, those of platypus A-G. Some of the proteins are isolated and characterized. 2. Echidna band A protein has some similarity to high cystine "whey" proteins. Band E protein (apparent Mr 21,000) may be a beta-lactoglobulin-like protein. Band M is lysozyme. Band C is serum albumin. Bands G-K are transferrins. 3. Platypus milk bands A, C, D, F and G are isolated. Bands F and G are transferrins. 4. Lactose synthase and lytic activities are examined.